Endemic Plant Research Articles

Evaluation of the content of polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins, the antioxidant capacity, and the antimicrobial activity of different organic and aqueous fractions of stems of Retama monosperma

Retama monosperma is an endemic plant of the Mediterranean region that has been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat various ailments. It contains a variety of bioactive phytochemicals and exhibited several biological activities. This study aimed to assess the phytochemical screening, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total tannin compounds, as well as the antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity. The phytochemical screening involved color reactions, characteristic reagents, and precipitation methods. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin compounds were quantified using colorimetric methods across four fractions. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power, 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging, and phosphomolebdenum assay. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated through disc diffusion method and the microdilution assay. Qualitative phytochemical tests revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and sterols. Quantification of total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin compounds confirmed the richness of polyphenolic compounds in all fractions. The antioxidant capacity measurements revealed that the ethanol fractions exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity in 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power assays, and phosphomolebdenum assay. Conversely, the aqueous fraction showed highest activity in the 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay. Regarding antimicrobial activity, the ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated superior efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. These findings suggest that R. monosperma could serve as a valuable source of antioxidant and anti-infective phytocompounds.

Unveiling the hypotheses of endemic richness: A study case in the Southwestern Alps

Areas where range-restricted species are concentrated are of importance for conservation. However, most of the studies aim at identifying areas rich in endemics for conservation planning, while few studies aim at understanding the causal factors of endemic richness. Here, our goal is to identify the determinants of endemic richness within a centre of endemism, the Southwestern European Alps, by testing four non-mutually exclusive hypotheses that have been proposed to explain patterns of endemic richness. In particular, we examined to what extent temporal and spatial climatic stability and environmental heterogeneity are related to endemic richness. Almost all hypotheses partially support the observed patterns of plant endemics richness within the SW Alps. In general, most of the relationships between environmental variables and endemic richness are statistically significant. However, the highest effect in explaining endemic richness is found for climate change velocity and standard deviation of slope, two factors affecting the possibility of species to disperse. This is in line with the idea that endemics are strongly limited by dispersal and not only by climate. Our results suggest that in regions where the effects of past climate changes were less dramatic endemic richness results from the interaction of species dispersal with regional and specific historical factors.

Seed dormancy, climate changes, desertification and soil use transformation threaten the Mediterranean endemic monospecific plant Petagnaea gussonei

This study investigated the germination capacity (endogenous factor) of Petagnaea gussonei (Spreng.) Rauschert, an endemic monospecific plant considered as a relict species of the ancient Mediterranean Tertiary flora. This investigation focused also on the temporal trends of soil-use, climate and desertification (exogenous factors) across the natural range of P. gussonei. The final germination percentage showed low values between 14 and 32%, the latter obtained with GA3 and agar at 10 °C. The rising temperatures in the study area will further increase the dormancy of P. gussonei, whose germination capacity was lower and slower at temperatures higher than 10 °C. A further limiting factor of P. gussonei is its dormancy, which seems to be morpho-physiological. Regarding climate trends, in the period 1931–2020, the average temperature increased by 0.5 °C, from 15.4 to 15.9 °C, in line with the projected climate changes throughout the twenty-first century across the Mediterranean region. The average annual rainfall showed a relatively constant value of c. 900 mm, but extreme events grew considerably in the period 1991–2020. Similarly, the land affected by desertification expanded in an alarming way, by increasing from 21.2% in 2000 to 47.3% in 2020. Soil-use changes created also a complex impacting mosaic where c. 40% are agricultural areas. The effective conservation of P. gussonei should be multilateral by relying on germplasm banks, improving landscape connectivity and vegetation cover, and promoting climate policies.

An Announced Extinction: The Impacts of Mining on the Persistence of Arthrocereus glaziovii, a Microendemic Species of Campos Rupestres

The mountaintops of eastern Brazil harbor the highest rates of plant endemism in South America. However, local biodiversity faces constant threats due to habitat loss and mining activities. About 89 rare and endangered species are exclusive to this region, including the threatened species Arthrocereus glaziovii. This study aims to evaluate the potential distribution of A. glaziovii based on abiotic variables and soil elements and to characterize the distribution of mineral titles that may restrict the species’ occurrence areas. We used the Bioclim, Domain, MaxEnt, GLM, and Random Forest algorithms to model this ecological niche under future climatic scenarios, in addition to modeling the layers of mineral titles corresponding to areas already mined and those slated for future mining projects. Our predictions indicate an expansion in the future distribution of A. glaziovii. Nevertheless, the future predicted occurrence areas of the species are already compromised due to mining. According to our findings, we emphasize the looming threat of the predicted extinction of this species. Therefore, implementing conservation strategies to ensure the survival of A. glaziovii is imperative.

Assessment of Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents of Albizia saponaria L. Bark Extract

Langir (Albizia saponaria L.), belonging to the family of the Fabaceae, is a medicinal endemic plant of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The Albizia genus shows antioxidant, antibacterial, anthelmintic, antidandruff, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, total phenolic (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) extracts from the bark of A. saponaria were screened for robust antioxidant activity in order to identify potential sources of new compounds for use in pharmaceutical formulations in the future. TP and TF of the 96% ethanol extract and fractions (hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water) were calculated by the Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride procedures, respectively. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging method and ABTS assay. Generally, both extract and fractions showed significant radical scavenging activities. Ethyl acetate fraction exhibited more potent radical scavenging activity in the DPPH method (IC50 35.27 ± 2.85 µg/mL) and ABTS assay (IC50 60.04 ± 0.98 µg/mL), followed by 96% ethanol extract, and hexane, butanol, and water fractions. Furthermore, the highest TP (4.50 ± 0.01 mg/g GAE) and TF (3.55 ± 0.04 mg/g QE) were obtained from ethyl acetate fraction. There was a strong correlation between antioxidant activity with TP (DPPH, R2 = 0.6436; ABTS, R2 = 0.7676) and TF content (DPPH, R2 = 0.5533; ABTS, R2 = 0.5961). The extract’s antioxidant properties may be attributable to its higher phenolic and flavonoid content. In summary, the phenolic and flavonoid content of the ethyl acetate fraction indicates its potential utility as a source of antioxidants.

Chemical constituents from the leaves of Fraxinus hubeiensis, an endemic plant from China

Fraxinus hubeiensis is an endemic plant that only grows in China and its phytochemistry has never been fully appreciated and sufficiently studied. In the present research, a phytochemical investigation on the leaves of Fraxinus hubeiensis led to the isolation of a new carbonate derivative (10), together with eleven known compounds. Their structures were analyzed on the basis of NMR spectroscopic and data comparison with previous literature. Among them, all of the compounds were isolated from F. hubeiensis for the first time except compound 9 and this is the first report of the occurrence of compounds (2, 4, 6, 10–12) from the genus. The carbonate and triterpenoids components may serve as potential chemotaxonomic markers for distinguishing Fraxinus hubeiensis from other species in Fraxinus genus.

التنوع البيولوجي وتنوع الكائنات الحية الدقيقة لنباتات الدوكو المتوطنة في موقع النمو الرئيسي الرطب والجاف في جامبي ، إندونيسيا

دوكو  Duku نباتات متوطنة في مقاطعة جامبي بإندونيسيا. كانت تنتشر وتنمو جيدًا في الطمي على طول ضفاف الأنهار ، لكنها عانت مؤخرًا من تفشي مرض الموت المفاجئ على مدار العقود الماضية. كان هذا الوضع سائدًا منذ الفيضانات المتكررة بسبب استنفاد مناطق الغابات في أعلى المنبع. بما أن السبب هو العفن المائي Phytophthora palmivora ، فقد كان من المفترض أن يحدث مرض الموت المفاجئ في المناطق الرطبة فقط ، ولكن في الواقع ، ينتشر المرض في المناطق الجافة أيضًا. هذه الحقيقة قادتنا للبحث عن عوامل بيولوجية أخرى في التربة بالمحيط الجذري للنباتات في الموائل الرطبة والجافة. أخذت العينات من المحيط الجذري لنباتات دوكو المريضة والصحية في العديد من المناطق الرسوبية لنهر باتانغ هاري التي تمثل الموائل الرطبة والجافة. أشارت الى أن المجتمع الميكروبي في التربة في الموائل الجافة والرطبة هي مجتمعات مايكورايزا (mycorrhiza) والبكتيريا والفطريات. أظهرت الوفرة النسبية للميكروبات في الموائل الجافة والرطبة في النباتات الصحية والمريضة أنواع متنوعة. ففي النباتات الرطبة للصحة ، كانت الوفرة النسبية كالآتي: 33.33 ٪ ٍSclerocytis، و Gigaspora 33.34 ٪ ، و Glomus 33.33 ٪. في النباتات المصابة بالموائل الرطبة ، كانت الوفرة النسبية للمايكورايزا: 66.67 ٪ ٍSclerocytis ، Glomus 33.33 ٪ ، وغياب Gigaspora. تم العثور على مجموعة البكتيريا لتكون الأكبر عند 70،49 ٪ في الموائل الجافة و 72.13 ٪ في الموائل الرطبة. أماالمجموعة الفطرية فكانت 14،08 ٪ في الموائل الجافة و 16.39 ٪ في الموائل الرطبة. أظهرت المايكورايزا أصغر نسبة في جذور نباتات Duku. أظهرت النتائج وجود ارتباط سلبي لل VAM مع النيتروجين ، و والفسفور في المحيط الجذري. أما وجود Glomus sp كان ارتباطه ايجابيا مع بوتاسيوم التربة.

Reclassifying the Threat Categories of Two Rare Plant Species Endemic to Central Anatolia

Aethionema turcica and Astragalus beypazaricus are rare endemic plant species restricted to marly-gypsaceous soils from Ankara, Turkey. In a study in 2000, Ae.turcica and A.beypazaricus were classified under the “Least Concern” and “Critically Endangered” threat categories, respectively. This study aimed to reassess the global conservation status of these species according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria by using the recent findings based on their population sizes, distribution areas, and the main threats. Field research was conducted between 2016 and 2018. Additionally, physical-chemical soil tests were run, and the climatic data were utilized to draw bioclimatic conclusions. In Ankara, there are two populations of Ae.turcica, with 359 mature individuals covering 12 km2 AOO and 23.5 km2 EOO areas. A.beypazaricus has only one fragmented population with a total of 5700 mature individuals in Beypazarı, and both AOO and EOO were discovered to be 4 km2. Both species are on the verge of extinction due to habitat fragmentation and loss formed by intense anthropogenic activity. According to the findings, the IUCN threat categories for Ae.turcica and A.beypazaricus were suggested to be reclassified as CR based on the criteria B1ab(ii, iii) and B1ab(ii, iii)+2ab(ii, iii), respectively.

Complete chloroplast genome of two Arabis L. species from Korea and assessment of their phylogenetic relationship in plastome based phylogeny

Arabis stelleri DC. and A. takesimana Nakai belong to the family Brassicaceae. Arabis stelleri is widely distributed in East Asia and A. takesimana is a Korean endemic plant. In this study, we report the complete chloroplast genomes of both species, measuring 153,577 bp for A. stelleri and 153,557 bp for A. takesimana. The plastome of A. stelleri comprises two inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,421 bp, a large single-copy (LSC) region measuring 82,705 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,030 bp. Whereas, A. takesimana has IR regions of 26,426 bp, LSC of 82,694 bp and SSC of 18,011 bp. Both the plastomes contain 131 total genes, 86 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes and 36.4% GC. The organization and gene content of both the plastomes were found to be similar to previously reported Arabis plastomes. In addition, we have tested the phylogenetic position of both the Arabis species and the relationship of genus Arabis with other Brassicaceae members in comprehensive family level plastome based phylogeny. Arabis stelleri and A. takesimana are phylogenetically placed within the Arabis clade and show close relationship to A. flagellosa, A. nipponica, A. paniculata and A. hirsuta.

Antioxidant Activity of Medicinal Plants and Herbs of North Aegean, Greece: Current Clinical Evidence and Future Perspectives

Background: Medicinal plants and herbs constitute rich sources of flavoring, and aromatic compounds, namely phytochemicals, which have many positive impacts on human health, such as antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Such bioactive compounds may be considered lead compounds that can be introduced in the drug design process to obtain novel drug candidates with better bioavailability and therapeutic efficiency. The Islands of the North Aegean have rich biodiversity and many medicinal plants and herbs with multiple health benefits. Objective: This study aims to summarize and scrutinize the antioxidant activity of medicinal plants and herbs of the North Aegean islands. Methods: A thorough search of the existing literature was performed in the most accurate scientific databases, using a set of effective and relative keywords and including only clinical human studies written in English. Results: Several clinical studies have highlighted the potential antioxidant activity of phytochemicals from plants such as St. John's wort, chamomile, rosemary, spearmint, mastiha, mountain tea, oregano, sage, and thyme, as measured in the blood and saliva of human individuals, after administration of extracts and solutions of these plants. Decreased levels of oxidized lipoproteins, increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, and an enhanced total antioxidant capacity were observed. Conclusions: Current clinical trials remain still limited, and an enhanced series is needed with a better methodology design, larger sample size, longer intervention periods, using controlled groups and randomization to unravel the antioxidant activity of these North Aegean endemic plants in human individuals.

Larvicidal, Ovicidal, and Repellent Activities of Leucas stachydiformis (Hochst. ex Benth.) Briq Essential Oil against Anopheles arabiensis.

Larvicidal, ovicidal, and repellent activities of the essential oil extracted by hydrodistillation from the leaves of the endemic Ethiopian plant Leucas stachydiformis (Hochst. ex Benth.) Briq were investigated against Anopheles arabiensis, the dominant malaria vector species in Ethiopia with the objective of searching for a plant-based malaria vector control strategy from medicinal plants. The larvicidal effect was tested against the fourth instar An. arabiensis wild larvae whilst freshly laid ova of An. arabiensis were used to determine the ovicidal activity of the essential oil at concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 400 ppm. Concentrations of 41.6-366.7 µg/cm2 were used to evaluate the repellent activity of the essential oil on 3-5 days old adult female An. arabiensis. The oil composition of L. stachydiformis was also analyzed using GC-MS. The study revealed that the oil possesses the highest larvicidal activity at 400 ppm and 200 ppm after 24 h and 48 h of treatment. LC50 values for the fourth larval instar after 24 h and 48 h of treatment were 43.4 ppm and 34.2 ppm, respectively. After 72 h of exposure, the oil displayed 100% ovicidal activity at 400 ppm with an IH50 value of 32.2 ppm. In the repellency test, at concentrations of 366.7, 133.3, and 41.6 µg/cm2, the oil gave a total percentage protection of 67.9 ± 4.2%, 37.2 ± 2.8%, and 32 ± 2.2%, respectively, for 4 h. The highest concentration (366.7 µg/cm2) gave 100% protection up to 90 min. GC-MS analysis of the oil revealed the presence of 24 compounds representing 90.34% of the total oil with caryophyllene oxide, germacrene D, and trans-caryophyllene constituting more than 50% of its components. Results of the present study suggest that the essential oil of L. stachydiformis has the potential to be used for the control of An. arabiensis mosquitoes.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Effects of Some Plant Species Growing in Turkiye: Verbascum lydium Boiss. var. lydium Boiss., Euphorbia anacampseros Boiss. var. tmolea M.S. Khan., Rosa pisiformis subsp. pisiformis (Christ) D. Sosn., Stachys tmolea Boiss. subsp. tmolea and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott

Abstract
 The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has emerged as a critical global public health issue, necessitating the exploration of alternative measures to combat infectious diseases. Traditional medicinal plants have been long recognized for their potential in providing natural compounds with antimicrobial properties for various therapeutic purposes. The diverse plant biodiversity in Turkey offers a promising potential for the discovery of novel antimicrobial compounds. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activities of methanolic extracts from several endemic and non-endemic plant species against various microorganisms. The endemic species included Verbascum lydium Boiss. var. lydium (stem), Euphorbia anacampseros var. tmolea Boiss. (root), Stachys tmolea subsp. tmolea Boiss. (leaves and stem), Rosa pisiformis subsp. pisiformis (fruit, petiole, root, leaves), while non-endemic species were represented by cultivated Aronia melanocarpa (fruit). In this research, the effectiveness of V. lydium, E. anacampseras, R. pisiformis (all tested parts) and A. melanocarpa (fruits) were demonstrated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Methanolic extracts of the roots and leaves of R. pisiformis showed the most promising bioactivity with a MIC value of 62.5 µg mL-1 on Pseudomonas aeruginosa among all tested extracts. In addition, the results showed that antimicrobial bioactivities were observed for Candida parapsilosis, C. glabrata and Klebsiella pneumoniae for V. lydium; S. tmolea and R. pisiformis with MIC values of 31.5 µg mL-1 per each. The findings of this study could provide valuable information for future research into the use of Turkish plants for pharmacological purposes, public health and traditional medicine applications.

Matabolomic Changes Induced by 6-Benzylaminopurine in Polygonatum cyrtonema

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (family Asparagaceae) is an endemic plant in China that is valuable for its edible and medicinal uses. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are natural or synthetic compounds that can regulate plant development and metabolism effectively. To explore potential applications of PGRs for improving the yield and bioactivity of this plant, four PGRs, including gibberellic acid (GA3), 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 24-epibrassinolide (EBL), were used in this study and sprayed on the growing seedlings of P. cyrtonema. All of these PGRs did not significantly affect the growth rate of P. cyrtonema, but they had varying effects on the polysaccharide and saponin content in the rhizome. NAA and 6-BA positively affected the polysaccharide content, while most PGR treatments negatively affected the saponin content. Widely targeted metabolomic analysis based on UPLC-MS/MS was conducted and revealed 101 differential metabolites in response to 6-BA, most of which were flavonoids, steroids and lipids. Most of the significantly changed flavonoids decreased under the 6-BA treatment. The study provides insights into the potential use of PGRs for improving the quality of P. cyrtonema, particularly in regulating the content of bioactive compounds.

A warming climate will make Australian soil a net emitter of atmospheric CO2

Understanding the change in soil organic carbon (C) stock in a warmer climate and the effect of current land management on that stock is critical for soil and environmental conservation and climate policy. By simulation modeling, we predicted changes in Australia’s soil organic C stock from 2010 to 2100. These vary from losses of 0.014–0.077 t C ha−1 year−1 between 2020 and 2045 and 0.013–0.047 t C ha−1 year−1 between 2070 and 2100, under increasing emissions of greenhouse gases and temperature. Thus, Australian soil will be a net emitter of CO2. Depending on the future socio-economic conditions, we predict that croplands will accrue as much as 0.19 t C ha−1 year−1 between 2020 and 2045 due to their management, but accrual will decrease with warming and increased emissions by 2070–2100. The gains will be too small to counteract the losses of C from the larger areas of rangelands and coastal regions that are more sensitive to a warmer climate. In principle, prudent management of the rangelands, for example, improving grazing management and regenerating biodiverse, endemic native plant communities, could sequester more C and mitigate the loss; in practice, it may be more difficult, requiring innovation, interdisciplinary science, cultural awareness and effective policies.

Predicting the effect of climate change on the geographic distribution of the endemic Fritillaria aurea in Türkiye

Fritillaria aurea is a rare, high altitude, endemic, and bulbous plant species in Türkiye. Although it is classified as least concern according to IUCN criteria, the species has a narrow distribution. This study utilized ensemble modeling to forecast potential future changes in suitable habitats for F. aurea by two Shared Socio-Economic Pathways (SSPs: SSP 1-2.6 and 5-8.5). These pathways were constructed using two General Circulation Models (GCMs) and covered the years 2035, 2055, and 2085. The results showed that the minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6), mean temperature of the wettest quarter (bio8), and precipitation of the warmest quarter (bio18) have the largest influence on the potential species distribution. The ensemble model predicted that the highly suitable habitats of F. aurea would contract under all future SSP scenarios and it would lose almost all of its potential highly suitable distribution areas by the end of the century. The remained population of F. aurea could possibly harbour in only minor areas of the North Anatolian Mountains in the north and Taurus Mountains in the south. The results of the study could contribute to establishing conservation strategies and natural resource management policies for F. aurea against the potential impacts of climate change. The highly suitable habitats under pessimistic scenarios at the end of this century projected by the present study can be determined as protected areas for the species.

Varied growth response of high alpine Rhododendron myrtifolium and forest zone tree species to climate warming in the Eastern Carpathians, Ukraine

Plants growing along altitudinal transects in alpine and mountainous areas respond differently to climatic conditions. The present study is centred on the unique and ecologically significant species, Rhododendron myrtifolium Schott & Kotschy, an evergreen clump-forming or prostrate dwarf shrub. This high-mountain endemic plant grows at several localities in isolated massifs of the Eastern Carpathians, but the greatest numbers of sites can be found in the subalpine and alpine belts of the Chornohora range. The main objectives of this study were (1) to assess the dendrochronological potential of Rhododendron myrtifolium as a new species in dendrochronological research and (2) to compare the growth response of R. myrtifolium (sampling elevation: 1800–1950 m a.s.l.) with Picea abies Karst. (1350–1500 m a.s.l.) and Abies alba Mill. (950–1050 m a.s.l.) collected from the upper and lower forest belts. Tree-ring material from 97 trees and shrubs enabled the construction of three site chronologies from sites located within the altitudinal transect. The longest chronology, covering the previous 184 years, was developed for fir. The chronology for the rhododendron was the shortest at 66 years. This species is the most sensitive of the three species analysed. The highest positive r-value (r=0.71) was obtained between the rhododendron chronology and the warm-season temperature (from March to July). Also, the growth of this species was significantly positively correlated with the summer temperature (r=0.50). In contrast, fir and spruce demonstrated a similar inverse relationship with August temperatures.

In Vitro Test of Antioxidant Activity of Leilem Leaf Ethanol Extract (Clerodendrum minahassae) Using DPPH and FRAP Methods

The risk of degenerative diseases is increasing due to unhealthy lifestyles. Many people consume junk food, smoke, and do not protect themselves from sun exposure and pollution, exposing their bodies to free radicals. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, necessitating the need for antioxidants to neutralize them. The leilem plant (Clerodendrum minahassae) is an endemic plant from North Sulawesi that is often used in traditional dishes and medicine. Moreover, leilem leaves are believed to be a source of natural antioxidants. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of leilem leaf ethanol extract as a source of antioxidants. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using phytochemical screening and antioxidant assays such as 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) methods, with ascorbic acid as a comparison. The level of antioxidant activity was measured by determining the IC50 value, which corresponds to the concentration of extract required to inhibit 50% of free radicals. The results of phytochemical screening showed that the ethanol extract of leilem (Clerodendrum minahassae) leaves contains active compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids/triterpenoids, and alkaloids, indicating a high potential for antioxidant activity. The IC50 value for the DPPH method was 78.799 ppm, and the IC50 value for the FRAP method was 92.127 ppm. These results demonstrate that the ethanol extract of leilem leaves has strong antioxidant activity in both the DPPH and FRAP methods.

The pharmacological properties of Gypsophila eriocalyx: The endemic medicinal plant of northern central Turkey

The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the biological properties of different extracts (methanol, ethanol, and water) obtained from Gypsophila eriocalyx (G. eriocalyx), a medicinal plant traditionally used in Turkey. The components of different extracts were defined using the GC–MS method. The effects of G. eriocalyx extracts on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer as well as in vitro antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and antimicrobial activities were investigated. In accordance with the results obtained, although ethanol and methanol extracts of G. eriocalyx show higher antioxidant activity than G. eriocalyx water extract, enzyme inhibition activities of the extracts were not found to be significant compared to the reference drug. The methanol and ethanol extract of G. eriocalyx exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methanol extract showed significant antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus. In addition, both extracts significantly inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner in breast cancer cells. The cell growth inhibition by methanol and ethanol extracts induced S phase cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. Lastly, in order to compare the activities of the chemicals found in Gypsophila eriocalyx plant extract, their activities against various proteins that are breast cancer protein (PDB ID:1A52 and 1JNX), antioxidant protein (PDB ID: 1HD2), AChE enzyme protein (PDB ID: 4M0E), BChE enzyme protein (PDB ID: 5NN0), and Escherichia coli protein (PDB ID: 4PRV)were compared. Then, ADME/T analysis calculations were made to examine the effects of molecules with high activity on human metabolism. Eventually, G. eriocalyx is thought to be a potent therapeutic herb that can be considered as an alternative and functional therapy for the management of diseases of a progressive nature related to oxidative damage such as infection, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.

Species distribution and habitat attributes guide translocation planning of a threatened short-range endemic plant

The success of plant translocations depends on defining habitat attributes critical for establishment and survival, and on locating this habitat in the landscape. We used species distribution modelling, coupled with fine-scale characterisation of local habitat attributes to characterise and identify potential sites for translocation of Tetratheca erubescens J.P.Bull (Elaeocarpaceae), a threatened shrub restricted to cliff faces on one banded ironstone range in semi-arid south-west Western Australia. Here, we 1) constructed a maximum entropy species distribution model (SDM) from known occurrence locations and environmental data, and projected this onto a broader surrounding landscape to seek suitable unoccupied habitat; 2) characterised the local habitat attributes (LHA) of both occupied and predicted but unoccupied habitat (locality types), determining potential characteristics of habitat suitability at the scale of individual plants (microsites) not captured by the landscape-scale models and; 3) assessed unoccupied areas of modelled high habitat suitability to identify ‘potential translocation sites’ that may have the characteristics to support T. erubescens. The SDM resolved two management considerations by identifying suitable habitat outside the known extent of threatened species to locate areas to search for additional natural populations (none found) or to verify as ‘potential translocation sites’ (24 sites identified). Using field surveys to assess LHA at a finer-scale, we detected differences between plant microsites and other random points in occupied habitat. As such, T. erubescens was more likely to grow in wider rock cracks, located in relatively water gaining points in the cliff profile, in soils with organic (rather than mineral) content. Our approach systematically addressed the complex challenges involved in identifying and selecting sites for translocation of a threatened plant species, a first for a semi-arid environment. We used the outcomes of this study to present a conceptual model for practitioners and regulators that outlines our approach for identifying ‘potential translocation sites’ and ranking their suitability within the context of three assessment filters: species requirements; management-operational constraints and regulatory considerations. This application is relevant to translocation programs that seek to return plant species into natural habitat areas.

Seasonally flooded Coquinal: typifying a particular plant association in the northern Yucatan peninsula, Mexico

Background: One of the most diverse and threatened plant associations in the Yucatan peninsula has not been characterized and therefore not included in any protection category in Mexico. We characterize and describe this plant association, which is rapidly disappearing or being irreversibly transformed as a result of anthropic activities. We propose a name and attempt a preliminary assessment of its taxonomic richness, and the identification of priority species to be preserved.
 Questions: What is the species richness and plant endemism associated within this plant association? What are the ecologically important and high-priority species for conservation? How is it different from associated or similar plant associations?
 Studied species: Vascular plants.
 Study site and dates: Northern Yucatan peninsula; 2021-2023.
 Methods: The plant association was characterized, and quantitative parameters were recorded. The Importance Value Index was estimated to assess its local ecological importance, and each species was assigned a conservation category in order to evaluate the conservation status in a global context.
 Results: We propose Seasonally flooded Coquinal (SFC) as a name for this plant association based on geomorphological, physiognomic, and structural attributes. A total of 206 species were recorded, which two are endemic to the SFC and 28 to the Yucatan Peninsula Biotic Province (YPBP). Twelve species are listed under a risk category.
 Conclusions: The SFC harbors a high plant diversity of endemic species to the YPBP, 12 of which are included in the IUCN red list, for which its typification and conservation should be a high priority in Mexico.